Ukrainian Judge Sentenced to 8.5 Years for Accepting $2,500 Bribe

Appeals Court Upholds 8.5-Year Prison Term for Baryshivka District Judge

According to НАБУ: On May 12, 2026, a panel of judges from the Appeals Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) upheld the conviction of Judge O. Lysiuk of the Baryshivka District Court in Kyiv Oblast. He had been sentenced to 8.5 years in prison for accepting a $2,500 bribe. Lysiuk was found guilty under Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which criminalizes the acceptance of an illegal benefit.

The original verdict, handed down by the HACC on March 27, 2023, includes not only the prison term but also additional penalties:

• Lysiuk is banned from holding positions in state authorities for three years;
• All of his property is subject to confiscation;
• He was taken into custody immediately in the courtroom.

The Appeals Chamber's ruling takes effect immediately upon its announcement. It can still be challenged through a cassation appeal to the Supreme Court of Ukraine within three months.

This case marks a significant milestone in Ukraine's anti-corruption efforts, demonstrating the judiciary's resolve to hold public officials accountable for abuse of power. By strictly enforcing the rule of law in corruption cases, the court system aims to strengthen public trust in justice institutions, a key concern for international observers and domestic reformers alike.

In a related case highlighting the ongoing battle against corruption in Ukraine, a former director was sentenced to nine years for embezzling significant funds from the agricultural sector. This ruling underscores the judiciary's commitment to addressing corruption across various public sectors, reinforcing the importance of accountability. For more details on this significant verdict, see how it compares to the recent sentencing of Judge Lysiuk in our coverage of another high-profile corruption case.